| Ranked Posts: 195 |
| West Midlands |
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 #20 Re: Scottish boarding - whats it really like as a local? 11/04/2008 @ 12:44:51 |
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| In reply to post #19 ... |
| oh right well at least if you go to nevis range I can get the gondola half way up.... |
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| #19 Re: Scottish boarding - whats it really like as a local? 11/04/2008 @ 11:23:43 |
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| In reply to post #18 ... |
| chances are you'll be hiking ............ but you never know - if the snow keeps falling then they might just stay open!!!! but i would plan on a long walk - it'll make the session all the more enjoyable knowing you had to work for it! |
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BASI Level 2 Snowboard Instructor
Bad day?!?!!? ...... Never mind, it might snow tomorrow! |
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| Ranked Posts: 195 |
| West Midlands |
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| #18 Re: Scottish boarding - whats it really like as a local? 11/04/2008 @ 09:59:00 |
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| In reply to post #17 ... |
the scots that I know reckon they will be riding the park at nevis range into may and even some of the lower mountain runs, if the snow keeps coming like it is...
I am planning to go up may bank holiday weekend, does anyone know if I'll be hiking then or will there be lifts?.. I know the gondola runs year round.
Andy |
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| Ranked Posts: 99 |
| Hampshire |
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| #17 Re: Scottish boarding - whats it really like as a local? 10/04/2008 @ 16:27:33 |
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| In reply to post #16 ... |
| sorry if it's been asked before but how long does the snow stick around for in scotland? |
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| Ranked Posts: 195 |
| West Midlands |
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| #16 Re: Scottish boarding - whats it really like as a local? 31/03/2008 @ 16:34:40 |
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| In reply to post #15 ... |
i rode saturday and only 3 lifts were open at nevis range and it was only £16 and the snow was amazing!...
sunday cost me £24 and 3 lifts were shut in teh back corries, front of mountain was amazing though!
all in it cost including petrol accomodation was free as my folks are staying in oban in a house they rent.... £120 for food, petrol and uplift that got me 2 full days riding (12 hours), not to shabby. |
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| Ranked Posts: 14 |
| Lanarkshire |
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| #15 Re: Scottish boarding - whats it really like as a local? 31/03/2008 @ 14:07:26 |
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| In reply to post #14 ... |
I think that you can buy a season pass but I'm not sure of the prices. A quick check on the web should find that out for you.
Here's an example of how things work for me - I've got some free time this Saturday 5th April, I've been on the internet this morning and conditions look good up the West coast. Some more snow should fall during the week, although theres a small threat of rain too. Just need to keep an eye on the wind as well and come Friday afternoon I'll make the decision.
If I decide to go I'll jump in the car early Saturday morning in Glasgow and be at the first lift for 9am. Back down the road again and having dinner in the house for 7.30.
Happy days!  |
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| Ranked Posts: 107 |
| Hampshire |
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| #14 Re: Scottish boarding - whats it really like as a local? 31/03/2008 @ 10:58:26 |
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Thanks Sinbad, appreciate the reply.
I'd be pretty stoke dif I could get 10 to 20 decent days riding and maybe another 10 or 20 mediocre days - would beat waiting for that one or two precious weeks every year plus I bet that when its good its such a buzz beign able to just jump in the car and get some freshies. From what I can see it require a differnt mentality - be prepared for all conditions and don't compare it to the alps - just ride it for what it is and enjoy teh amazing highland scenery.
Interesting comment on the prices, had not really looked at that - I wonder if they do a cheaper season pass or something? Mind you as jibmonkey says still cheap compared to a fridge or a dryslope even if the riding is not great - its what we have to pay to get our fix I guess!  |
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| Ranked Posts: 2254 |
| Banffshire |
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| #13 Re: Scottish boarding - whats it really like as a local? 29/03/2008 @ 17:56:33 |
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| Revision #1 (Last edited: 29/03/2008 @ 17:57:34) |
| In reply to post #12 ... |
true
its expensive compared to candian prices as well you can get a full day pass for 30-40 pounds out here at the moment .
just the price we have to pay as British riders unfortunately but even so i would'nt change it for the world |
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Lv 2 CASI Instructor
lv 1 CASI carving instructor
LV 1 PARK instructor |
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| Ranked Posts: 642 |
| UK - Scotland |
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| #12 Re: Scottish boarding - whats it really like as a local? 29/03/2008 @ 17:54:08 |
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| In reply to post #11 ... |
| That's true JibMonkey - but it's also true that it's expensive compared to mainland European ski areas. |
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| Ranked Posts: 2254 |
| Banffshire |
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| #11 Re: Scottish boarding - whats it really like as a local? 29/03/2008 @ 15:51:03 |
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| In reply to post #10 ... |
"close to £30 for a day (Aviemore), and only a couple of runs and drags are open - you feel the price is excessive. "
compare that to a snowdome though where you get one run and you have to pay £30 + for 3 hours ish itsn ot bad money mate. |
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Lv 2 CASI Instructor
lv 1 CASI carving instructor
LV 1 PARK instructor |
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| Ranked Posts: 642 |
| UK - Scotland |
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| #10 Re: Scottish boarding - whats it really like as a local? 29/03/2008 @ 12:03:35 |
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| In reply to post #9 ... |
I've been living up in Edinburgh and have managed to make a few foraays up to the Scottish hills over the last couple of winters. It's hit or miss really - I've had some crackers, and some not so good ones, - but for me it's still a bit of a novelty, so even the not-so-good days are still good.
You can read more about my expereinces here: Snowboarding in Scotland
In terms of good days per season - not sure - but would estimate something like:
-10 really good (ie plenty of snow, and winds not too bad)
-20 or so - medicore
and a lot when it's just too windy/icy to make it worth the trip.
One of the things I don't like about Scottish snowboarding is the price. For what you get, the lift passes seem very expensive compared to Europe. I know that they need to price high to stay alive, but when you're paying close to £30 for a day (Aviemore), and only a couple of runs and drags are open - you feel the price is excessive.
Saying that - I always enjoy my time in the Highlands - so good luck with the move! |
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| Ranked Posts: 107 |
| Hampshire |
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| #9 Re: Scottish boarding - whats it really like as a local? 27/03/2008 @ 16:14:22 |
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| In reply to post #8 ... |
| Hey nice one, thanx for the reply. I have been checking out winter highland and also highlandinstinct - some really mouthwatering pics of the good days and soberign stories of the not so good ones. It seems that being as local to the slopes as possible and able to get teh best of the conditions whenever they arrive is th ekey to maximising time on scottish slopes - as well as getting used to the odd rock and the dodgy lifts of course! |
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| Ranked Posts: 4 |
| Midlothian |
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| #8 Re: Scottish boarding - whats it really like as a local? 27/03/2008 @ 10:41:38 |
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| In reply to post #7 ... |
Yeah, scottish boarding can be great, or really crap,
Been up a few times this year. Had excellent day in Jan at Glenshhe, but the next week it was rubbish, check out http://www.winterhighland.info/forum/ for loads of info on the Scottish mountain conditions.. Good pics too!! |
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| Ranked Posts: 14 |
| Lanarkshire |
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| #7 Re: Scottish boarding - whats it really like as a local? 18/03/2008 @ 12:36:40 |
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| In reply to post #1 ... |
You've already said it, don't expect Alpine conditions. But the Scottish scene is what you make of it. If you're keen then there's plenty of boarding to be had. I don't know if you've been to Scotland boarding but it can get a bit thin and patchy at times. But if you can put up with that then it's good, afterall some boarding is better than no boarding right?
I enjoy the occasional day on the Scottish slopes and living in Glasgow I can generally head up at the weekend when the conditions get good. If you are able to work hours to suit yourself then you will have the advantage of heading up at the drop of a hat when the conditions are good and of course the resorts are a lot quieter during the week than at the weekend.
I wouldn't though expect that living close to the slopes in Scotland would be a good substitute for your annual foreign trip(s), you should look at it more as an added bonus.
And you mention hiking, the potential for hiking in Scotland is as good as anywhere in the world. |
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| Ranked Posts: 107 |
| Hampshire |
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| #6 Re: Scottish boarding - whats it really like as a local? 17/03/2008 @ 16:12:12 |
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| In reply to post #5 ... |
hey nice one - thanks for the reply.
30 days would be fantastic - beter than the 5 or 10 I get most seasons! |
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